The breakdown of the relationship between Inter Milan and Romelu Lukaku this summer was a fiery and dramatic one.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, break down the backstory behind how the Belgian soured his relationship with the Nerazzurri, one that had looked very solid just a few weeks ago.

In terms of the end of Lukaku’s association with Inter, there is more or less a specific date.

July 14 was the fateful Friday.

That was the day that Inter came to an agreement with Chelsea on a deal worth €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons to bring the Belgian back on a permanent basis.

This constituted a big investment for Inter. Particularly to sign a player whose thirtieth birthday has already passed.

However, the Nerazzurri had been gung ho to bring Lukaku back. He was always their main priority in attack.

Part of this, of course, concerned the former Everton and Manchester United striker’s quality on the pitch.

Even in an injury-hit campaign last time around, Lukaku’s form at the end of the campaign was imperious.

But just as important as that was the strong personal rapport the Belgian seemed to enjoy with everyone at the Nerazzurri.

Inter President Steven Zhang regarded Lukaku highly for his character and attitude. And the club’s directors had few doubts about bringing Lukaku back for another season.

That is why the striker’s antics in the middle of last month came as such a rude shock to Inter.

How Relationship Between Inter Milan & Romelu Lukaku Imploded

After Inter reached an agreement with Chelsea, they were naturally anxious to wrap the deal up and get Lukaku available to coach Simone Inzaghi for preseason.

The only thing that was necessary was the go-ahead from the player. Then he could sign his new deal and join Inter on a permanent basis.

But to everyone’s shock, Lukaku was suddenly unreachable.

The Nerazzurri attempted to get into contact with the Belgian, but he would not answer his phone – this at the most inconvenient time imaginable. Inter Sporting Director Pireo Ausilio was particularly furious that he could not get a hold of the player.

When Inter did finally reach Lukaku, they learned that he had been negotiating with rivals Juventus. And not just the Bianconeri either – city rivals AC Milan too.

In and of itself, this would not necessarily be scandalous in Inter’s eyes.

It is only natural that a player will keep their options open in the transfer market. And transfers between Serie A’s biggest clubs are hardly unheard of despite the rivalries that exist.

However, what really enraged Inter was the fact that Lukaku and his representatives had hidden the extent of the negotiations with Juventus from them.

The Bianconeri had reportedly been working to lure Lukaku to Turin for months. And the Belgian always showed a certain willingness to hear them out.

Therefore, from Inter’s perspective, Lukaku had completely broken their trust by going behind their back and deceiving them.

The Nerazzurri considered this unpardonable. Ausilio angrily called Lukaku to tell him he wouldn’t be coming back.

There were some attempts by the striker to reconcile, but these came to nothing.

Inter President Zhang was hurt by what he saw has betrayal by Lukaku. So were the Nerazzurri’s squad, who also couldn’t get a hold of Lukaku.

And now, Lukaku appears to be on his way to Roma.